Wholesale orders shipped through bonded warehouses in China follow a specific customs-supervised process to ensure proper documentation, tracking, and export compliance. This article outlines the standard operating procedure (SOP) for merchants using bonded warehouse services for B2B shipments.
Things to keep in mind
Only closed vans or cabinet trucks are allowed for bonded warehouse pickups. Other vehicle types cannot enter the bonded area.
Drivers must strictly follow designated entry and exit gates and should not carry undeclared goods.
The freight forwarder must not declare customs independently. Doing so may lead to penalties or anti-smuggling actions.
After shipment, the freight forwarder must provide the manifest (road, air, or ocean) that matches the gross weight listed in the filing form.
Warehouse entry process
Filing products
Go to the Product Management module and select Product Filing.
Choose Single product filing or Batch product filing and complete all required fields marked with a red asterisk (*).
Confirm customs declaration information and electronic entrustment.
Submitting entry data
Navigate to Warehouse Management → Warehouse Entry List → Add Stocking Warehouse Entry (B2B Mode).
Add product SKUs and quantities, or upload a batch template.
Fill in key details such as warehouse location (default: SZ01), business type (general customs clearance export and entry), and transportation mode (bonded port area).
Once complete, submit the entry. The system will display the entry status as draft.
Declaring warehouse entry
Convert the entry order status from Draft → Confirmed → Pending Review.
Print and attach box labels with the entry order number, SKU, and packing details.
Print the incoming order with the driver’s name, contact information, and vehicle license plate.
Arrival and packaging requirements
Every outer box must have a label with the warehouse entry number, SKU, and quantity.
Each item inside the box must have a product barcode.
The packing list must match the box labels and actual items.
Outbound and delivery process
Creating and confirming orders
Portless creates the order in the warehouse management system and enters the recipient (consignee) details, SKU, and quantity. A delivery channel gets selected to push the order to the bonded warehouse system.
Enter the order number in the Portless system's order list to retrieve the order details. In draft mode, confirm the information and edit details like the tax number, packaging, and duty payment status. Once complete, confirm and submit the order in confirmed mode.
Picking up and shipping goods
The customs broker completes exit verification before the goods leave the bonded area.
Once released, the filing list and release list are provided to the freight forwarder for shipment.